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YEAGERTOWN -- If there's one thing Beth Harlan has learned from offering Tai Chi sessions, you can never offer enough Tai Chi sessions.
Harlan, community services supervisor for the Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corp. - The Care Network, Yeagertown, said, "The first class offered back in April had around 40 participants and I had to turn away participants due to the class being full, so with that said, my hopes are to have the same attendance."
The Lewistown Senior Center, 515 Knepp Ave., Lewistown, will host two separate Tai Chi sessions, starting Monday, Sept. 11. Tai Chi Part I will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
For those who complete that class, Tai Chi II will follow from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Sept. 12.
"They were very excited to keep moving forward with the second part," Harlan said. "Tai Chi Part I will still be offered for those who did not get into the last class that we offered."
Offered through the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging's Health and Wellness Program, classes last for one hour and are offered to seniors, 60 and older for free. The instructor is Chris Toddes.
"Consumers love Tai Chi and there have not been classes offered due to not having an instructor in the Mifflin County area," Harlan said. "When Chris Toddes came aboard, it opened up a great opportunity to start Tai Chi back up in the community. Participants really enjoyed his classes and Chris is very passionate about Tai Chi."
Harlan added there are definite health benefits for taking the sessions. Studies show that Tai Chi improves symptoms of arthritis, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, provides pain relief and promotes overall well-being.
New Eight-Week Session at Lions Den
A new eight-week session for Tai Chi is coming to the Fayette Area Lions Den, 58 Lions Den Dr., McAlisterville. These hour-long classes will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Sept. 12. These sessions are free for seniors age 60 and older.
Kim Imes instructs the classes held in Juniata County.
"Kim does a great job and is passionate about her participants," Harlan said. "The classes always seem to fill up quickly.
"Tai Chi improves balance, strength, flexibility and relaxation," she added. "It brings together the participants and helps with socialization and isolation."
Space is limited for the Lewistown and McAlisterville sessions, so register by Friday, Aug. 25, by calling (717) 320-8367 or email bharlan@mymjrsc.com.